(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – It has been discovered that the cause of the boat capsizing in Kalutara- Katukurunda maritime borders is overcrowding.
A spokesman for the Kalutara south police noted that there had been 41 passengers travelling in the boat during.
11 individuals were killed while 29 others have been rescued.
Search operations have recommenced this morning in search of another missing person.
The incident took place around 11.30 am yesterday (19th Sunday) in the deep seas, 3 kilo meters away from the Kalutara- Katukurunda maritime border.
The accident occurred while the multiday trawler was participating in an annual boat procession of the Beruwela St. Lazarus church.
8 vessels along with 20 sailors from the emergency units of the Navy and rescue units were deployed for rescue operations yesterday.
Later, 11 divers and 4 Doras were added to the operations along with a Bell 212 helicopter in support of the navy.
However, police assume that more casualties have been reported due to none of the passengers wearing life jackets during the time of the incident.
In addition, it has been reported that the multiday trawler was low in weight than the standard weight of a trawler.
Preliminary investigations have also revealed that speeding was another cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, President Maithripala Sirisena extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the incident.
In a tweet the president noted that he had advised the necessary officials to provide relief and necessary services for the victims and their families.
